By Delaware Governor Jack Markell
I recently had the privilege of visiting the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network office in New Castle to sign legislation that will greatly reduce the risk of skin cancer in Delaware by prohibiting minors from using tanning devices. Senate Bill 94, which takes effect on January 1, also requires tanning device operators to post warnings about the dangers of tanning. We made this a priority because of individuals like Sherrill Rigney, whose 22-year-old daughter, Michelle, died of Melanoma in 2008, after heavy use of tanning devices. Sherrill turned a tragic event into passionate advocacy that will save the lives of countless others. If anybody knew how deadly tanning devices could be, they would never, ever let their children use a tanning bed, ever, she said at the bill signing. A day after the bill signing, the U.S. Surgeon General released a Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer. That report, presented by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recommends strategies for individuals, communities, policymakers, and state and federal governments to reduce skin cancer-related illnesses, deaths, and healthcare costs. The importance of the legislation was underscored by the many respected organizations that offered their support, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Academy of Dermatology, Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Medical Society of Delaware, AIM at Melanoma, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, Moving for Melanoma Delaware, and the Delaware Cancer Consortium. The vast majority of skin cancers are caused by unprotected exposure to excessive ultraviolet radiation, so we can greatly reduce the risk and save other families the heartbreak experienced by Sherrill Rigney by preventing exposure. We must all work together to combat the disease. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, affects more than 75,000 Americans and leads to nearly 10,000 deaths each year. I'm proud Delaware has taken a huge step toward preventing unnecessary deaths from melanoma and I urge other states to join us.
Even as Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, ACS CAN will keep working year-round, across the country and with both state and federal lawmakers, to advance the public policies we know will reduce the burden of breast cancer.